CHICAGO () — Chicago and surrounding communities remain under an Air Quality Alert through Sunday as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift across the region.
ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologists said air quality in Chicago is still considered “unhealthy,” though the smoke plume is not as intense as what the area experienced on Thursday.
On Thursday, Chicago’s Air Quality Index climbed to around 747 at its peak. By Sunday morning, the area started the day with an AQI near 156.
Forecasters expect conditions to gradually improve as Sunday moves along, with more noticeable improvement possible overnight into Monday.
The National Weather Service has extended the Air Quality Alert until Monday for portions of northwest Indiana.
A shift in wind direction on Monday could help push out some of the wildfire smoke and lead to better air quality across the Chicago area.
The Chicago area will remain under a “smoke watch” for the rest of the week as forecasters continue to track wildfire smoke impacts.
Looking ahead to Monday, most of the Chicago area is also under a Level 2 risk for severe weather.
Meteorologists say some mid-day showers could be expected. A cold front could bring strong storms into the Chicago area on Monday evening.
Health impact
Health experts warned that wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants.
Dr. Soledad Cortina, a cornea specialist with the Illinois Society for Eye Physicians and Surgeons and University of Illinois Chicago Department of Ophthalmology, said the tiny particles in the smoke could have lasting health effects.
“Some of the components of wildfire are similar to those of like smoke and tobacco, and we know how damaging that is to the eyes and certain chronic conditions,” said Dr. Cortina.
Patricia Ward, the Head Scientist at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, said that weather patterns like these could continue to happen in the future.
“I think we are seeing that more and more across the U.S., North America, in general and around the world in other places too. The expectation is this climate change is going to continue to contribute more extreme weather,” Ward said.
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Experts also cautioned that poor air quality can affect people indoors. HVAC technicians are encouraging homeowners to inspect their air filters as smoke and airborne particles remain a concern.
“Even if the filter looks white – nice, white and clean, if you hold it up to a light and you can’t see the light through it, that means that it’s clogged up,” said Karol Derezinski, a technician with Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning.
AAA also recommends using a vehicle’s air conditioning in recirculate mode to reduce smoke exposure inside a car by limiting the amount of outside air entering the cabin.
The smoke and haze blanketing the Chicago area caused low visibility and was expected to create some delays at O’Hare airport.
Health experts said the air is unhealthy for everyone to breathe and are encouraging people to avoid or limit time outdoors until the air quality gets better.
“If you can see it, and you can smell it, you’re breathing it in…so recommendations right now: if you don’t have to go out, then stay home,” Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association, said.
Doctors also recommend that people stay hydrated, which can help the respiratory system in these smoky conditions.
